They must be protected

THE EDITOR: In TT, the lack of legal protection for state witnesses highlights the broader issue of insufficient safeguards for whistleblowers, who often face severe repercussions for their actions.

The absence of robust witness protection programmes undermines confidence in the justice system and discourages individuals from coming forward with critical information.

Whistleblowers, commonly known as "snitches," are at significant risk in a small community like TT, where maintaining confidentiality is particularly challenging. Without strong legal protections, they can face retaliation, harassment and social ostracism.

The case of a corporate employee who had to resign after blowing the whistle illustrates the perilous position these individuals occupy. This vulnerability not only deters potential whistleblowers, but also stifles efforts to expose wrongdoing and corruption.

To address this issue, TT must establish comprehensive legal frameworks that ensure both state witnesses and whistleblowers are protected. This includes implementing robust confidentiality measures, providing physical protection, and enacting laws that shield them from retaliation.

Ensuring these protections is essential for fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, where individuals feel safe to report misconduct without fear of retribution.

GORDON LAUGHLIN

via e-mail